May 26, 2009

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The Frustrations of Epistemological Pedantry (acc to Peanuts)

by quaesitor

Thanks to Nancy Heeb for this. A classic Peanuts which has profound significance (don’t they always?) – hard to believe it dates from way back in May 1962.

We are always quick to make categorical statements. And it is always frustrating to be forced to realise how provisional our knowledge is – despite the everyday idioms that suggest otherwise. How often do we speak of the “foreseeable future”, for example? The future NEVER is! Not for finite and flawed human beings at least. That doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating, though.

Incidentally, just count the number of categorical statements made even in this short post to see how irresistible they are…